Expert: Greg Simpson - 1/24/2006

Question
i have a jade tree about 10 years. it has grown to about 4 feet in height and 3ft wide. i  think it is time to repot. the tree is in excellant health. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REPOT

Answer
Dear Irwin,

That depends on the pot. Is the plant top heavy? A plant that size should be in a pot at least 1/2 the diameter of the plant. Also, a Jade plant that size will be very heavy and you will need help to re-pot it.

Get your new pot and determine how much soil you will need to put in the bottom so that when you move the plant to the new pot, you will have at least an inch of "lip" around the top of the new pot. If your plant is currently in a ceramic pot, you may have to break it to move the jade plant without damaging the root ball.

Put new soil in the new pot and you and 2 or 3 friends pull the Jade plant out of the old container. As I mentioned, if the plant won't come out you will have to break the pot. After you move it, fill in the gap around the root ball with soil and water.

Make sure to let the soil dry completely before watering again. The roots will be damaged, so don't over water. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg